The Brookings Institution is saddened by the passing of James D. Wolfensohn, who served as an Active Trustee from 1983-1990 and an Honorary Trustee from 1990-2011. In 2015, Mr. Wolfensohn made a $1 million gift to Brookings to support action-oriented fresh thinking on effective solutions to the challenges of global development. His generosity laid the foundation for the Wolfensohn Center for Development.
“James Wolfensohn had a tremendous and enduring impact on global development as a passionate advocate for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations,” said Brookings Institution President John R. Allen. “His leadership and insight were of great value to the Brookings Institution and our scholarship to alleviate global poverty. On behalf of the Brookings community, I offer my deepest condolences to Jim’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
Brookings Board Co-Chairs Glenn Hutchins and Suzanne Nora Johnson added, “James Wolfensohn’s stewardship of the World Bank and his many philanthropic projects after his tenure transformed the field of global economic development. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life and contributions to the common good.”